By Panagiotis Dalatariof
The ceremonial hall of the Acropolis Museum in Athens, Greece, nestled beneath the Sacred Rock of one of the world’s most significant cultural monuments, was transformed into a vibrant microcosm of the Greek Australian community on Monday evening, July 7.
This was the setting for the opening of the 1st Global Summit of Hellenic Lawyers titled “Safeguarding Democracy, the Rule of Law, and Justice – Global Challenges and the Role of Artificial Intelligence.”
More than 600 legal professionals gathered at the birthplace of democracy with the shared goal of establishing a lasting institution that reflects the global unity of the Greek legal diaspora. The event was co-organised by the Plenary of the Greek Bar Associations, the Hellenic Australian Lawyers Association, the Cyprus Bar Association, and the Hellenic Lawyers Association of New York.
Greek legal bodies, diaspora communities, and Philhellenes from across the globe united to honour shared ideals, strengthen international legal ties, and promote Greek values through dialogue and cultural exchange.
Opening the proceedings, President of the Hellenic Republic Konstantinos Tasoulas remarked that the conference was a “rare and valuable example of cross-border cooperation.”
He highlighted the symbolic power of hosting such an initiative “in the country where democracy was born,” adding that it aims to “promote cooperation among Greek heritage lawyers working in different countries.”
Tasoulas stressed the universality of Hellenic values and the enduring bonds of Hellenism across borders, saying this collective effort reflects the “responsibility to ensure that the pillars of Hellenism continue to flourish in every corner of the world.”
Deputy Foreign Minister for Greeks Abroad, Ioannis Loverdos, expressed his excitement about reconnecting with the diaspora in person. Confirming his upcoming trip to Australia in October, he shared his joy at being “among so many lawyers from New York and Australia” and remarked warmly that Greece is “very proud” of their work.
The importance of defending legal norms and human rights in uncertain times was highlighted by Australian Ambassador to Greece, Alison Duncan. She underlined that “now more than ever, it is crucial that legal professionals around the world safeguard the rule of law and ensure that fundamental rights and freedoms are protected.” She emphasised the need for unity, warning that these principles are “becoming blurred and undermined,” and called on the global legal community “to stand together to defend them.”
For Greek Minister for Justice, George Floridis, the conference marked a significant contribution to public legal discourse. He said the global initiative by Hellenic lawyers to engage with urgent issues such as democracy, justice and the rule of law – especially in light of the rapid development of artificial intelligence – “should take root and evolve into a permanent institution for essential reflection on the future of democracy in our country.”
A particularly moving moment came from President of the Hellenic Australian Lawyers Association, Joseph Tsalanidis, who emotionally thanked the organisers for honouring both Greek and Philhellene legal professionals.
Recalling a past conference held in Rhodes in 2018, Tsalanidis shared that he had brought something symbolic from the island – a bottle filled with “air from Rhodes.” Holding up the small transparent vial, he announced to the audience that he was now “ready to release it and fill it again,” a gesture that drew applause from the audience.
Athens Mayor Haris Doukas used the occasion to make pointed comments about the handling of the Tempi train disaster case, the status of Open Universities, and the ongoing surveillance scandal – issues currently dominating national debate.
Further insights into the evolving challenges posed by artificial intelligence were shared by Marios Hartsiotes, Minister of Justice and Public Order of the Republic of Cyprus, Dimitrios Vervesos, President of the Plenary of Greek Bar Associations, George Zapantis, Chairman of Hellenic Lawyers Association of New York, and Michael Vorkas, President of Cyprus Bar Association.
The 1st Global Summit of Hellenic Lawyers is set to conclude on Thursday, July 10. Organisers hope the gathering will mark the beginning of a global institution that connects Hellenic legal professionals – from Australia to the farthest reaches of the diaspora – through a shared commitment to democracy, justice, and Hellenic ideals.
*All photos copyright Panagiotis Dalatariof / The Greek Herald
